Are you a teetotaller? Then Bandapalem village in Telangana could just be the perfect place for you

Located about 130 kilometres from Hyderabad in the Suryapet district, Bandapalem village in Telangana has maintained a strict, self-imposed ban on alcohol sales and consumption for nearly seven decades. Local residents attribute this long-standing tradition to a collective commitment to maintaining peace and financial stability, as most families rely on small-scale farming for their livelihood.

The prohibition is strictly enforced by the community. Anyone caught drinking faces steep fines, legal action, or even a total social boycott and expulsion from the village. Past attempts to set up commercial liquor shops or manufacture illicit alcohol were stoutly resisted by both men and women coming together to protect their community from quarrels and financial drain. Those who still wish to consume alcohol are forced to travel outside the village boundaries to do so.

Community members emphasise that this united stand has allowed generations to live in harmony without the disruption often caused by alcohol abuse. (PTI)